Fifteen months after a Hamas-led terrorist attack in southern Israel triggered the unprecedented Israeli bombardment and ground campaign that has laid waste to Gaza, a way out of the conflict may be in sight. The human cost has been devastating: a Palestinian death toll close to 45,000, according to local authorities; more than 1,000 Israeli fatalities from the October 7, 2023, assault.

The EU watched from the sidelines as the US, Egypt and Qatar mediated a three-phase ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that could come into effect on Sunday, seeing 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

With the finalization of the accord being called into question by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the last moment, the world held its breath.

The 27 countries of the EU, which has been beset by internal divisions and had limited diplomatic sway, may now have an important role to play.

In Brussels, the European Commission commended the mediator countries and welcomed the deal on Thursday.

"The EU is ready to support the implementation of the ceasefire," EU foreign affairs........

© Deutsche Welle